April Shrub of the Month-Korean spice viburnum

What would spring be without fragrant viburnums? The Korean spice viburnum, Viburnum carlesii, is one of the earliest spring-flowering shrubs in our area. Petite pink buds open white in clusters along the branch tips, and the scent is intoxicating. 

Most Korean spice viburnums are on the large size, growing up to 10’ high and wide like the ‘Aurora’ cultivar above at MBG’s Kemper Center. The new dwarf cultivar, BABY SPICE, makes it possible to have the best of both worlds; fragrant flowers and a more manageable size of around 3.5-6’.

Viburnums typically produce showy berries after flowering, but with BABY SPICE, you’ll need another V. carlesii (like SPICE GIRL) for fruit.

Full sun is preferred, but V. carlesii does well in part shade in our area. Well-drained soil is a must, but these are typically tough plants once established.

Why I love this plant;

-Fragrant flowers in early spring.

-Dwarf cultivars available now, like SPICE BABY, to fit smaller garden spaces.

-Good choice for containers where the fragrant flowers can be right at ‘nose-level’.

What’s not so great? 

-Leaf spot and powdery mildew are the most common ailments.

-Timing is critical when pruning. Prune right after flowering in spring to avoid trimming off flower buds formed later in the season. 

-The leaves are covered with fuzzy pubescent hairs that can irritate your skin. Make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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